Ju connexion with this matter Mr. Peters said, "Negotiations with the dealers wore made more dificult' by the extraordinary attitude taken by the Civil JGovernor in stating that forward contracts were illegal, as. they constituted gamble. This statoment of his could not be allowed to pass and the Commities madd representations to. the Consular
the large sans, who could easily Body. Thera are several full their contractual obligations, bat there is no machinery to force them to do so. The matter is still under discussion, but with no solution in sight."?
Later in hi said, proved that this Chamber does not represent all various national interests in the Port and Inter on I shall bring forward s proposal that this Chamber be dissolved and replaced by a Committes of 'THK ov7100K oL0oMy. to prospects of trade am afraid I must strike} pessimistic note. The disorders and banditry throughout the country, coupled with fear of civil strife, are causing nervousness among Ohinese merchants, which is reflected in the very bad state jof the import trade. It is the hope of all foreign merchants, and Iam sure also of our Chinese friends, that a strong man may jatiso and give the Central Government the requisite authority throughout the country, to enable to put it's house in order. This ended the Chairman's report.
The meeting then discussed the Proposal to dissolve the Chamber: and the formation in its stead of Comifittce of the Associated Chambers of Commerce. It was decided, in view of the pending negotiation with the Cotton Tsans and other-matters not yet leared up, to postpone consideration of the proposal for "i months.
The meeting then elected, as committee for the coming sear, Messrs. E. C. Peters, -H. Dyott, BK. Towry, Marcel Wolfers, @ Colinet and. J. Range.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.